•  
  •  

Metabolic or Endocrine Conditions and Osteoarthritis

Metabolism refers to all of the chemical processes that take place in the body, such as the burning of natural sugar substances (such as glucose) in the body for energy. The endocrine system controls the body's hormones, such as estrogen.

It is possible that more rapid breakdown of cartilage in joints is partly due to a metabolic problem. In osteoarthritis, cartilage breakdown occurs more rapidly than cartilage repair.

Examples of metabolic and endocrine conditions that can lead to osteoarthritis are:

  • Hemochromatosis (abnormally high levels of iron in the blood and tissues).
  • Wilson's disease (abnormally high levels of copper in the body).
  • Acromegaly (a disease characterized by long, large bones in the extremities and parts of the head and jawbones due to excessive growth hormone).
  • Hyperparathyroidism (abnormally high levels of parathyroid hormone, the hormone that regulates calcium levels in the bones and blood).
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
Last Revised April 8, 2011

Last Revised: April 8, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.